Publications by authors named "Tamara Elliott"

Article Synopsis
  • A study focused on 42 individuals with unclear HIV status found that most were HIV elite controllers, meaning they can suppress the virus without treatment.
  • The research confirmed HIV infection in 30 participants and excluded it in 10, while 2 remained unconfirmed, with elite controllers showing normal immune cell counts.
  • The study highlights the need for more research on different molecular categories within elite controllers, as 95% of the HIV statuses were resolved during the investigation.*
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Article Synopsis
  • The study investigates the effectiveness of a novel self-amplifying RNA (saRNA) vaccine followed by an mRNA vaccine (BNT162b2) in boosting immune responses for both previously infected and naive individuals against SARS-CoV-2.
  • A total of 35 participants were given the saRNA vaccine, while 40 received an authorized vaccine only, with immune responses assessed through various assays to measure antibody and cellular responses.
  • Results showed that individuals previously infected with COVID-19 had significantly higher antibody levels after receiving both vaccines, indicating that prior exposure enhances vaccine efficacy, particularly when combined with the saRNA approach.
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Introduction: Knowledge of HIV status relies on accurate HIV testing, and is the first step towards access to HIV treatment and prevention programmes. Globally, HIV-status unawareness represents a significant challenge for achieving zero new HIV infections and deaths. In order to enhance knowledge of HIV status, the World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends a testing strategy that includes the use of HIV-specific antibody point-of-care tests (POCT).

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Purpose Of Review: The WHO has set ambitious targets for hepatitis C virus (HCV) elimination by 2030. In this review, we explore the possibility of HCV micro-elimination in HIV-positive (+) MSM, discussing strategies for reducing acute HCV incidence and the likely interventions required to meet these targets.

Recent Findings: With wider availability of directly acting antivirals (DAAs) in recent years, reductions in acute HCV incidence have been reported in some cohorts of HIV+ MSM.

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Background:: In Botswana, where HIV prevalence remains high, cervical cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths in women. Multiple organizations recommend high-risk human papillomavirus (hr-HPV) testing as a screening tool, however, high coverage may not be feasible with provider-collected samples. We conducted the first assessment of self- versus provider-collected samples for hr-HPV testing in HIV-positive women in Botswana and report prevalence of hr-HPV and histological outcomes.

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Objective: To assess the acceptability and preferences of HPV screening with self-sampling and mobile phone results delivery among women living with HIV (WLWH) in Botswana, as an alternative to traditional speculum screening.

Methods: WLWH aged 25 years or older attending an infectious disease clinic in Gaborone were enrolled in a cross-sectional study between March and April 2017. Women self-sampled with a flocked swab, had a speculum exam, and completed an interviewer-administered questionnaire about screening acceptability, experiences, and preferences.

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Objective: To evaluate whether the Food and Health Dialogue (the Dialogue), established by the Australian Government in 2009, is having an impact on reducing premature death and disability caused by poor diet in Australia.

Design And Setting: We used information derived from the Dialogue website, media releases, communiqués and e-newsletters to evaluate the Dialogue's achievements from October 2009 to September 2013, using the RE-AIM (reach, efficacy, adoption, implementation and maintenance) framework. Data describing the processed foods marketed in Australia were extracted from an existing food composition database.

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A retrospective observational study was performed in our trust in October 2010 that examined compliance, and the financial and clinical implications of performing inappropriate preoperative blood tests on adult patients prior to elective surgery, against the 2003 NICE guidelines. An unacceptable proportion of inappropriate tests (31.3%) were being performed.

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As an investigation into the feasibility of recording personality status from questionnaire data in younger people we used a three phase Delphi survey to assess items from the Christchurch Health and Development Study, administered at ages 12 to 16 years. Twelve experts took part in Phase I, and 22 in Phases II and III, 16 of whom were experts in adult personality disorder (PD), and 6 were experts who work with children. In total, 189 questions (55% of the total (238) in the questionnaires) were identified as possibly being related to personality abnormality in one or more clusters with high consensus.

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